State Board Of Education Publishes Final Education Standards For Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology & Engineering Grades K-12

The State Board of Education published notice in the July 16 PA Bulletin of final regulations setting education standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Agriculture, Technology and Engineering Grades K-12  (PA Bulletin, page 3946 - Preamble, page 3970 - Standards )

This is the first update of these standards since 2002 and they were based on several foundational principles--

-- Every student is capable of science, engineering, technological and environmental literacy.

-- Science, engineering, technology, environment and ecology should be explored through an integrated and active learning process.

-- Iteration and reflection are a critical component of the learning process.

-- Success depends upon the partnerships between educators, students, families, postsecondary providers and institutions, legislators, businesses and industries.

During the public comment period over 1,400 comments were received addressing the proposed revision of the PA Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology Standards. The majority of comments were on the Standards for the Environment and Ecology.

Initially, the State Board of Education proposed eliminating separate Environment, Ecology and Agriculture education standards, but action by the PA Association of Environmental Educators and many others made the case to retain separate standards.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more background.  (PA Bulletin, page 3946 - Preamble, page 3970 - Standards ).

Visit the Department of Education’s Environment and Ecology webpage for more information.

Related Articles:

-- Board Of Education Posts Education Standards Eliminating Environment, Ecology & Agriculture K-12 Academic Standards For Comment; Environmental Educators Oppose

-- DCNR: Having Strong Environment & Ecology Education Standards Critical To Developing Career Opportunities & Good Stewards Of PA’s Environment, Natural Resources

-- Guest Essay: Why Environmental Literacy Should Be Part Of Pennsylvania’s Education Standards

[Posted: July 15, 2022]  PA Environment Digest